Theories of Aging

Theories of Aging

Activity Theory

This theory discusses the point of the elderly generation wanting to continue in having some form of a role to contribute towards society, which may include voluntary work after retirement. Also, the wanting of maintaining an active lifestyle, whether it is doing things they have always wanted to do but couldn’t whilst they were working, such as travelling.

Disengagement Theory

Primarily focuses on the individuals isolating themselves from society, including their friends and family. People who get to a certain point in life where they may feel low self esteem, and possibly depression, this could be the result of feeling that they don’t belong in society because of retirement and weakening of their bodies, or possibly because they have not lived the life they wanted, and bereavement can also be a cause. All these factors contribute to what we know as the individuals disengaging themselves from society

Continuity Theory

This theory states that the individuals who are happy with themselves in the sense of their lifestyle and preferences, they are most likely to continue whatever habits that are factors of their happiness and their comfort zone. For example, if they are very active and healthy, they would want to continue in maintaining that lifestyle as it would most likely make them happy.